allroad'Ed now

OK, so I've been hinting at different front drop links to get rid of the stock C-shaped parts with the rubber bushings. You know, the ones everyone complains about, especially dealers, that they don't look properly lined up.

Last Saturday when I had my car up in the air at a local shop, I checked out the WRX up in the air on the lift next to me. Looked as if the rear drop link on the WRX looked awfully close to the front ones on our cars. So today I went back and picked up a pair to try.

Here's the OE link as I'm disassembling:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/8639/drop_link_oe.jpg">

Before installing I studied the new parts. They come from Perrin Performance and are used on the rear of late model Subaru WRX (but not STI). Machined from aluminum and replaces the rubber bushings with PTFE Teflon lined spherical bearings. Very nice parts. Note the angle of articulation that the bearings allow without the binding of the rubber parts:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/8639/drop_links_articulation.jpg">

Once I had it off, I placed them side by side and took some measurements. Both used the same bolt diameter so that part was easy. The only major difference was that the ears of the OE part are approx 89 mm apart, while the Perrin part is 98 mm. This will cause the trailing edge of the sway bar to hang about 9mm (about 1/3") lower to the ground though still not as low as the front cross member. And the width across the bushings is thicker on the Perrin by 2.6 mm but there is plenty of thread on the lower bolt to work. The top one is close, just barely contact the locking threads. I'll probably get bolts a couple mm longer for the top to be safe. They are grade 10.9 so need really strong ones.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/8639/drop_link_comparo.jpg">

Here's what it looks like on the car:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/8639/drop_link_perrin_on.jpg">

Here's the clearance between the link and the control arm. There's as much clearance here as with the stock part. (Note: all pics taken with the suspension locked in place and the front end on its wheels up on ramps.)
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/8639/drop_link_perrin_clearance.jpg">

Entire swap took just 45 minutes, and that includes time to make measurements and take pictures. Simple 4 bolt swap that doesn't require removing the tires or dropping the front belly pan.

And the results? Front end steering response is much improved. When I turn the wheel, the car responds immediately, no slight delay as all the rubber flexes. And that's with the snows on. Can't wait to try with good 18's on the car! Can't wait for rush hour to end so I can go play on a couple of my favorite entrance ramps and get a feel for how it works at higher speeds. Downside? Well, it feels like a slight bit of road vibration is getting to the steering wheel, but that could just be me being overly critical. Again, I'll test this evening on my favorite piece of rough concrete.

Was it worth the $140 and 45 minutes. Hell yes. Who thought a Subaru could improve an Audi.

gragravar

Nice work.

schwank

Thanks for the post!

glidar

"PERRIN Performance^TM end links are precision cut from virgin aluminum ensuring strength, durability, and crisp sway bar response providing maximum performance and feel from your rear sway bar."

Guess that means you'll have to lube them with virgin olive oil. :-)

Huh -- the spherical bearings are plastic. What'll they think of next.

"Our spherical bearings are made from fiber reinforced, engineered plastic. With a static radial load resistance of over 5,000 lbs these bearings are virtually indestructible. An inner Teflon lining dampens against noise and vibration as well as keep dirt or road grime out of the bearing race."

It does look like a good mod, though.

Now that Ed's found Perrin for us, who will be the first to install this gauge pod over the steering column?

<img src="http://www.perrinperformance.com/assets/images/subaru/tn/gauge_pod03.jpg" />

Ex-PzKW Cdr

Excellent you go to the head of the class!!

RMcQ

of stuff.

allroad'Ed now

We all have a long way to go to push the envelope like you.

allroad'Ed now

Or as Rachael Ray says on the Food Network, EVOO.

Rally_nutcase_1982

That is one very nice Job, well done. Are you doing this for living? ;-)

allroad'Ed now

I pushed it anyway. The steering response is definitely much better. Point the wheel and the car goes with less correction necessary than before. In high speed ramp, the front feels much more planted and precise. But (there's always a but isn't there) now I think I need to figure out a fix for the rear too. Maybe it's the snows, but on this ramp, the car exhibited a bit more understeer. Again, snows on damp ramp at +25 on a 45mph ramp.

There is a bit more road vibration transmitted on rough concrete roads. I'll give it time to pass judgment.

The one thing I'm trying to figure out is that the front end feels a bit "nervous" on one particular crowned road. Just a very slight dartiness. But with all of the rubber now removed from the sway bar (remember the plastic pivot bushings) there is no slop or room for absorbing movement. And every movement of the tire is now immediately translated into action.

It is responsive, and fun. Might have to bolt up the summer 18's this weekend and go for a blast down my favorite country road.